BRIGHT GARDEN PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 2

BRIGHT GARDEN PARTY

IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS. AID FOR HEALTH CAMP FUNDS. The tall, stately tree of “Arles,” Riverbank, Wanganui East, looked down on a happy scene on Saturday afternoon when a large number of people gathered for the garden party arranged to assist the candidature of the Sports Queen (Miss J. Wilson), in the Health Camp campaign. Only rarely does one find such enchantment in a garden as that possessed by Mr. and Mrs. Russell Grace, whose spacious and lovely grounds were generously thrown open to the public to assist the worthy cause. Postponed from the previous Saturday owing to very unfavourable conditions, the weather, after a few days of uncertainty, cleared up, and allowed the visitors fullest appreciation of tall trees, ferns, native bush, and gardens ablaze with a wonderful collection of choice and rare rhododendrons, azaleas and tulips. The visitors availed themselves of the privilege of exploring every corner of the very large grounds and gardens, and were charmed by the many winding by-paths which lead down from lawns and main drive to a bush glade of marvellous beauty, hiding a stream beyond. It was a delightful experience for garden lovers. At every turn were scenes that delighted the eye and brought forth exclamations of admiration from the visitors, for the combining of modern loveliness of flowers, shrubbery and well clipped lawns with the tall ferns and native bush has created a series of pictures that would give an artist great joy to transfer to canvas. A thick belt of very tall bamboo shelters part of the native bush and gardens, which are massed with wonderful azaleas and rhododendrons. Hydrangeas were there giving promise of glory to come later in the season. Down some steps and following a wall, the sweet smell of the bush with its delightful and indescribable scent and the notes of a tui, caused many to linger there before ”oing on to explore other paths, one which led to a pergola beyond which a large bed of cinerarias and polyanthus attracted much attention; as also did a mass of azalea-mollis in a rich shade of apricot toning to flame. Another turn of the path a o-limpse of a tree in full autumn tints. Following the path a closer view was obtained showing up all the rich reds and flame colours of the maple, and alongside nestled a Japanese maple wbh its delicate formation ot leaves rich colourings. Here a nd there were orange trees, whlle th natch of mauve-purple caught the eye and descending down still another patk the blaze of mauve turned out ff ho magnolia tree in all its were entertainments on the lawn rS'.hSis of wisteria. At either side of the lawn set with fine old trees, mriudinsr a cedar and English oak the shrubbery showed a variety o tree rs - lawn, did a brisk trade. Mesdames G. P. Williamson, C. C. Smith and Miss Lawson werei in charge of the produce and cake stalls arranged on the side verandah. Ice cream and drinks were dispensed by members of the Ladies’ Cricket Club, Mrs. Simpson, Misses E. Bullock, K. Lockett and M. Bullock. Afternoon tea was served in a large marquee, Mesdames E. Walpole and J. Goss, junr., being in charge, and capably assisted by several young girls. Other attractions kept the crowd of supporters well occupied, and games of skill were in progress. A new kind of fish pond, where several well-known personages were seen endeavouring to achieve a prize by capturing a bottle with a fishing rod with a ring at the end of the line, was in charge of Mrs. B. C. Haggitt, Miss Ngaire Russell and Miss Betty Wilson. Misses Peggy Strachan and Marcella Jackson and Mr. Linegar were in charge of the chocolate roulette, while Misses Swan, Bell and Richardson managed other games. During the afternoon displays of folk dancing and rhythmic drill were given by pupils of the Intermediate School and trained by Miss Methven. A large number of people, including pupils of the Wanganui Girls’ College, stood on the sloping lawn and watched the display with great interest. The girls were in gym. costume and performed the dancing and drill excellently, receiving much applause at the conclusion of the display. The Regimental Band played entertaingly during the afternoon. All sports and all sections of the community were represented. Members of the committee and their friends were all doing their share of organising work, the Boy Scouts also helping in many ways.